Extra immunisation clinics laid on in Hackney after outbreak of measles

Doctors are laying on extra immunisation clinics for children after measles returned to Hackney for the first time in years.

GPs in the borough are urging families to make sure their kids have the Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) jab. The clinics will allow under fives to be vaccinated for the first time or complete their schedule.

The Hackney GP Confederation says one reason the potentially deadly disease has returned is a drop across the capital in childhood immunisation.

The group, made up of all 41 GPs in the borough, emphasised that urban myths about whether or not vaccines are safe have been discredited and say studies show no link between MMR and autism.

Hackney GP Dr Joseph Spitzer said: “Vaccination of children has been so successful it has helped wipe out many terrible – and preventable – life-threatening diseases.

“Many people haven’t experienced these illnesses in their lifetimes because children have been immunised on a mass scale and made these diseases a thing of the past. Immunise now before it is too late.”

Contact your GP practice or book into one of the extra clinics by calling 07741 628378 from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.